As part of EPA Fix A Leak Week [March 19-25], the Cheyenne Board of Public Utilities [BOPU] is urging people to track down water leaks in their homes.

According to a BOPU news release, the average household leaks more than 10,000 gallons per year, or about the same amount of water it would take to wash 270 loads of laundry or about 10 percent of the average water bill.

The BOPU is offering the following advice:

''• Look at the hard evidence-your water bill. During the winter, the average home in Cheyenne uses less than 2,000 gallons of water per person per month. If a home is using more water, there may be a leak. If further testimony is needed, check your water meter which is typically inside your home. BOPU can help you locate your water meter and show you how to read it. Water meters are equipped with a flow detector-the red triangle or propeller or digital readout. First, turn off all water uses in the home for a couple hours then check the water meter. If the red triangle or propeller are moving or the numbers have changed on the water meter, there is a leak in the house.

• Interrogate the toilet. Toilets are sometimes the silent culprits for water leaks and higher water bills. Place a few drops of food coloring in the tank at the back of your toilet and let it sit for 10-15 minutes. If the color shows-up in the bowl, the toilet leaks. Make sure you flush afterwards to avoid staining.

• Make sure the fixtures, and appliances have alibis. Inspect fixtures and appliances for dripping water. Look for dripping faucets, showerheads, and hose connections.

• Spy your sprinkler system and spigot. As reminder with warmer weather, check your outside spigots for leaks, and sprinkler system for broken nozzles. ''

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